An elegant sea of Tiffany blue washed over Ashley and Gregory’s wedding. The couple–both members of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity respectively–opted for the classic hue giving their wedding an air of elegance. Blush and coral undertones complimented the jovial blue shade. The lush greenery and grand trees of the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort was the backdrop for the exquisite affair. Coterie member Elle Danielle Photography captured all the stunning details of this gorgeous wedding.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on the wedding menu: Prime Rib
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts: Bridesmaids received jewelry and monogrammed shirts. Groomsmen received a lapel flower, socks, and monogrammed flasks.
First dance song: “A Couple of Forevers” by Chrisette Michele
Bride: Ashley Spears Rankins
Groom: Gregory Rankins
Wedding date: 05/02/2015
Wedding location: Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort – Birmingham, AL
Tell us how you proposed!
As I strategically planned my proposal to Ashley, I could hear her voice in my ear saying “Whenever you DO decide to propose, Please make sure my nails are done!” So, I knew getting a nail appointment had to be high on my list of priorities when popping the big question! In the midst of my planning, Ashley and I decided to buy a home the December before and one day it hit me,”ding, ding ding! Perfect timing to do it at the house warming surrounded by family and friends!”
On January 25th, Ashley and her mom were preparing the house for the house warming and I told her to take a break and get her nails done. She agreed with no hesitation; Mission 1 accomplished!
I decided to put together a series of house warming games that included collecting keys from house guests that said the word home/house and finding keys in select locations to win gift cards. After the 4th key was found and the clock struck 6pm, it was time for the last game, which included the Grand prize. Everyone was literally tearing up the house looking for a “special” key that my friend Justin was holding the entire time! After three minutes of watching Ashley’s clueless gestures, I announced to the guests that this last key opened the safe box Ashley and I bought for the house. Sweating bullets, I nervously get the key from Justin and slowly opened the box. I grabbed the ring, professed my love for Ashley and proceeded to get on one knee.
Describe your wedding dress and tell us about your shopping experience.
My wedding dress, was a lovely Justin Alexander gown with sequins, pearls, and bugle beads that covered the sweetheart neckline and full bodice of the dress. There was a tiered laser cut organza skirt with a sweeping train.
Dress shopping was way EASIER than expected because I am very particular about my clothing and especially my wedding dress. My gown was the last dress I tried on at the second salon I went to. I found my dress on Pinterest with no expectations of being able to find the exact dress. While dress shopping, I would show the consultant this dress as a reference of style I was interested in. When I showed the consultant the picture at the last salon she states, “We have that dress and we just got it in. You will be the first to try it on.” At this point, I was shocked and I asked was she sure it was the same dress and vendor in which she reassured me it was. She knew I really wanted this dress however she saved it for the last dress for me to try to ensure that I considered all of my options. When I tried the Justin Alexander dress on; I knew it was the one. Of course, I said Yes to the dress!
What is your favorite memory of your wedding day?
The best memory, I have from the wedding is when I was walking down the aisle and I was trying to hold back my tears of joy as I approached my soon to be husband. It was all like a dream to me and the closer I got to him the harder it was for me to hold my tears back. Just to see the look on his face as I approached him made it harder to not cry.
What advice would you give to our brides-to-be?
Do not stress over the reception count because it is uncontrollable. No matter how hard you try to take charge, it is not going to happen. It is uncontrollable because you are going to have some people that RSVP and not show.
Congratulations to the happy couple. Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us, your wedding was truly breathtaking!
Vendors
Event Designer – ValiaRose Event Design
Florist – Rickey Whitley
Photographer – Elle Danielle
Videographer – KBryant Images
Bride’s Cake – Barb’s Cakes
Groom’s Cake – Pastry Arts
Wedding Dress Salon – Sweet Elegance Bridal
Wedding Gown Designer – Justin Alexander
Bride’s Makeup – Angela King Layman
Bride’s Hair – Courtney Kirk of Salon Picasso’s
Ceremony and Reception – Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort Birmingham, AL
Bridesmaids’ Makeup – Tasia Oliver
Bridesmaids’ Hair – Simply V Beauty Salon
Samantha Strong
The entire wedding is just stunning.
Where did the bridesmaids get their dresses from? They are beautiful.
Elle Danielle
Thanks so much, Samantha! I’m going to see if I can find out where the dresses came from and leak that info over on my instagram page. LOL.
Lauren
Wow- they planned out every last detail! What a gorgeous wedding. The bride is absolutely stunning!
Elle Danielle
Thanks so much, Lauren!
Shunta Lee
Absolutely gorgeous!! Congratulations to the happy couple!
nogahj
yes where are the bridesmaid dresses from and do they come in other colors?? Absolutely stunning! the whole wedding
Keisha
Any luck with finding where the bridesmaid dresses are from? They are absolutely stunning!!
nita
Any luck with finding out about the bridesmaids dresses?????
Otha Gutteridge
If you decide to have individual chairs for an outdoor wedding, a great way to add a little splash of color to the chairs would be to have bright cushions. You can even alternate colors if you have multiple wedding colors.
Danielle Dorsette
Is there any way you could find out where the groom’s tux is from?
Nicole
Where did you get the bridesmaids dresses i love them
Leelee
Where did the bridesmaids dress come from
Tricia
Is that LOVE table a DIY? or was it purchased somewhere??
Leelee
Has anyone, found out where the bridesmaids dresses came from ? They are different an unique